Serco Moves Into Extra-Time For Scotland’S Aberdeen Test

Serco NorthLink Ferries, which operates the lifeline ferry services between the Northern Isles and the Scottish mainland, will move into extra-time for the northbound sailing on Saturday 24 November . . . to accommodate islanders from Orkney and Shetland returning home after the Scotland v Tonga EMC Test at Pittodrie Stadium in Aberdeen.The match will be Scotland’s third in a series which will see the two most recent rugby world champions, New Zealand and South Africa, provide the opposition at Murrayfield in the two preceding weekends. The decision to delay the departure of the northbound ferry, so that islanders intending to watch Scotland strive to maintain their 100% record at Pittodrie can return overnight, was taken after approaches from Scottish Rugby.Scottish Rugby’s ambassador, Chris Paterson, the country’s cap and points’ record-holder, who will be visiting Orkney and Shetland later this week (5 and 6 October) said: “I know that when Scotland played in Aberdeen before – against Canada in 2008 and Samoa in 2010 – many rugby supporters from the islands, especially children in parties organised by the local rugby clubs, were able to get down to Pittodrie to see the matches live.The support the Scotland team enjoys in the north and north-east of the country is passionate and vocal and, on behalf of Scottish Rugby, I’d like to thank the ferry operator Serco, for its consideration in amending its schedule.Bruce Ruthven, Orkney RFC’s development officer, welcomed the news. He said: “Orkney is delighted that Serco NorthLink is assisting rugby supporters with the delay of the boat to allow children, parents and supporters alike to attend the international fixture.”This means a great deal to the Orkney community where they will be able to see first hand the current stars of Scottish rugby and enjoy the game. Orkney itself will have a very large travelling support and would like to thank Serco for its support.Daniel Meadows, Shetland Rugby Club’s Development Officer added: “There’s a growing number of rugby supporters in Shetland and this is a welcome gesture by Serco NorthLink Ferries. This later departure from Aberdeen will allow islanders to see the match and return home on that night’s sailing, helping to keep their travel time and costs down.On behalf of Shetland Rugby Club and supporters of the national team here, many thanks to Serco for its continued support for rugby in the North Isles.The EMC Test against Tonga will kick-off at 3pm and Serco is extending Aberdeen check-in closure to 5.15pm in order that supporters can make their way back from Pittodrie to the harbour in time for departure.Stuart Garrett, managing director at Serco NorthLink, said; “We’re delighted to accommodate rugby fans from Shetland and Orkney by agreeing to delay the sailing on Saturday 24 November.”One of the challenges of living in the Northern Isles is lack of access to national events and celebrations.”The Scotland rugby team plays in Aberdeen every two years – so we want to make it as easy as possible for people living in the islands to take advantage of this rare opportunity.”I’m going to the event with my family and look forward to a great day.”